Device for preventing a driver under the influence of drugs to use a motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

Device intended to prevent a driver under the influence of alcohol from activating a vehicle&#39;s starting mechanism with the aid of a starter, such as an ignition key or a starter card, comprising structure for collecting specimens from the driver for analyzing the alcohol concentration in the specimen that makes it possible to activate the starting mechanism with the aid of a starter depending on a signal from the analyzing unit.

This application is a U.S. national phase application of internationalapplication PCT/SE2004/000338 filed 8 Mar. 2004, which designated theU.S. and claims benefit of SE 0300605-3, filed 7 Mar. 2003, the entirecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention concerns a device for preventing a driver fromusing a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.

The number of traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers is an increasingtrend. This has put higher and new demands on equipment for preventingand exposing a driver of a motor vehicle who is under the influence ofalcohol.

Supervision equipment has traditionally comprised breathalysers used bythe police for stopping drivers who are under the influence of drink.This technology has many drawbacks, however: it is personnel-intensive,so only certain areas can be monitored for short periods; to gain a goodeffect, every vehicle must be stopped in theory and the equipmentlargely provides information on whether the driver is under theinfluence or not. Certain equipment that can be used as evidence doesexist, however.

These drawbacks have driven technology development towards threedifferent areas: preventive, impeding and informing. The equipment isalso intended to be applied directly to the vehicle in a manner that isactive immediately the driver intends to use the vehicle. Such equipmentis known in general as a lock that is linked to the vehicle's ignitionsystem, a so-called preventive system. The driver has to blow into amouthpiece that is linked to some form of analysing equipment foranalysing the driver's breath. If the driver's breath contains alcohol,the ignition will be prevented from starting the vehicle's engine. Atime delay will prevent further attempts at starting the vehicle frombeing made within a certain time from the first attempt. An impedingsystem will allow the vehicle to be started but only be moved at alimited speed or with annoying sound and light signals. Furthermore, allstart attempts are logged and the results stored in a memory for lateranalysis by the driver or, if the vehicle is part of a company fleet, bya company representative.

The drawback of a system described above is that the equipment must becalibrated in order to be reliable. This calibration means that thevehicle must be left to an authorised garage and will not be availablewhile it is at one of these calibrating stations. Another drawback isthat this equipment is relatively expensive. It must be retrofitted,even when purchasing a new vehicle, which means additional waiting time.

Another drawback is that if a fault occurs in the equipment and it isbeing used on public transport, on a bus for example, and the bus willnot start, the driver will be regarded as being under the influence,which would be an infringement of the driver's integrity.

Another type of equipment, so-called informative equipment, is a systemsimilar to that describe above but without an immobiliser. Instead, theimmobiliser has been replaced with a warning, for example inside thevehicle with flashing lamps, sounds or a warning message to make thedriver and/or their surroundings aware of the situation.

One object of the present invention is to provide a device forpreventing or impeding a driver from using a motor vehicle when underthe influence of alcohol by preventing or impeding activation of thevehicle's starting mechanism. Another object is to achieve a device thatfacilitates the installation and calibration of such a device. A thirdobject is to provide a device that is cost efficient and simple toinstall both in new vehicles and for retrofitting in vehicles that arein service.

These objects are achieved with a device that surrounds both thevehicle's ordinary ignition key and the spare key and allows the use ofeither key only after the user has passed a breathalyser test. Inanother embodiment, the device prevents signals from being generatedthat can activate the starting mechanism.

The invention will be described more fully in the following withreference being made to the attached drawings, which illustrate examplesof selected embodiments, where:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a starting device in theform of a key contained in a shell according to a first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view from FIG. 1 with the cover removed fromthe shell;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of a third embodiment according to theinvention and

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a further embodiment according to theinvention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to a firstembodiment comprises a shell 1 in the form of an upper 2 and lower 3part, which surrounds the vehicle's starting device in the form of thevehicle's ordinary ignition key 4. Parts 2 and 3 are both equipped witha bridging seal to whether the device has been broken open. The ignitionkey 4 comprises a well-known key grip 5 with a blade 6 suiting the lockextending from it. The front of the shell 7 exhibits an opening 8,through which the key 4 protrudes so that only the key blade 6 comesoutside the shell. The rear 9 of the shell 1 exhibits a tube 10 withmouthpiece through which a specimen of the driver's breath passes to ananalysing unit 11 in the bottom part 3 of the shell 1. The analysis unit11 determines the alcohol concentration that can be found in the breathgiven by the driver. It should be understood that also other drugs canbe analysed, i.e. alcohol, narcotics and similar drugs.

The specimen sent to the analysis unit can also comprise a bloodspecimen or a specimen taken through the skin.

In another embodiment the analysis unit also registers the result andthe time of the analysis. For reading the information that is collectedby the analysis unit, there is a socket 12 arranged on the back of theshell 9 for connecting, for example, a computer (not shown).

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper part 2 of the shell 1 comprises aguide for the ignition key and a means 13 of moving the ignition key 4between an inner (not shown) and an outer 14 end position. The means ofmoving 13 comprises a spring mechanism arranged between the ignition key4 grip 5 and an means of activation 15 arranged to the bottom part 3 ofthe shell 1. The means of activation 15 comprises for example anelectronic bipolar relay driven by a battery 16, which may berechargeable, which acts on the spring mechanism so that it slides thekey blade 6 in or out through the opening 8. The bipolar relay comprisesa transistor through which the current can be stopped or be allowed topass depending on the direction of the current and in that way affectthe spring mechanism for releasing or locking the key 4.

If the starter 4 comprises a card (not shown), the card is at leastpartially surrounded by the shell and the spring mechanism arrangedbetween one edge of the card and the inside of the shell. The springmechanism 13 has a function similar to that in a flick knife with onepressing and one pulling spring. In another embodiment, the springmechanism can be replaced by a screw (not shown) with one end arrangedto a threaded insert (not shown) and its other end pivot-mounted to thekey grip. The screw is turned by a small electric motor (not shown),whereby the key is pressed out through the opening 8 as the screw movedout through the threaded insert.

The analysis unit 11 comprises a sensor element (not shown) in the formof a chamber with fuel cell. Other forms of sensor technology can beused of course, for example IR absorption or semiconductor technology.The driver's breath passes into the chamber to the fuel cell in which achemical reaction takes place, giving a reading of a value that isproportional to the alcohol content in the breath. The said value isanalysed and if the result is positive, i.e. the breath does not containexcess amounts of alcohol, i.e. an alcohol content higher than the legallimit prescribed by the country of state, a signal is sent to the meansof activation 15, which releases the spring mechanism and the key ismoved from its inner end position to its outer 14 end position. If thebreath contains excess amounts of alcohol, i.e. a negative result isobtained from the analysis unit 11, the signal will not be sent to themeans of activation 15 and the key 4 will remain in its inner endposition. This means that the key blade 6 cannot be inserted into thevehicle's ignition and the car cannot be started.

If a positive response is given by the analysis unit 11, i.e. if thebreath does not contain excess amounts of alcohol, the vehicle can bestarted and driven as intended. When the vehicle stops and the ignitionkey 4 is turned off, the immobiliser function will be activated again.The ignition key will be drawn automatically into its inner lockedposition by the spring mechanism under the influence of the bipolarrelay, whereby a new test with positive result must be made before thekey can be used again.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment according to the invention, whichcomprises a housing 34 surrounding and fixing the key grip of thevehicle's ordinary ignition key, the aforesaid means of activation 15 inthe form of a bipolar relay, an analysis unit 11 as described above, atube with mouthpiece 10 and a means of movement. In one side of thehousing 34 is arranged a pair of openings 35, 36, through which theignition key blade and a means of blocking extend. The means of blockingcomprises at least one hardened steel pin 37 that can move between aninner and an outer 39 end position and which when being acted on by ameans of movement 40 always attempts to attain its outer 39 endposition. With the pin 37 in its outer 39 end position, the ignition keywill be stopped from being inserted into the ignition switch, as the pin37 will stop against the vehicle's ignition switch or dashboard when thedriver attempts to insert the key into the ignition switch. After apositive analysis of the driver's breath, the bipolar relay will act onthe spring mechanism 40, which is released and the pin 37 is pressedinto the housing 34 when it makes contact with the dashboard or ignitionswitch so that the ignition key can be used. The pin 37 has a circularelement 37 a in the form of a hardened steel ring arranged on the tip ofthe pin 37 surrounding the key blade 6. The steel ring is intended toact as a sliding surface that slides on the ignition switch or dashboardwhen the key, after a positive response, can be inserted into theswitch. This makes it easier to turn the key and prevents unnecessarywear against the ignition switch or dashboard as well as making itdifficult to break the pin away from the key in order to evade theimmobilization of the key.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the device has relatively smallexternal dimensions and that the calibration of the equipment can bedone by leaving one of the keys for calibration and then the otherwithout having to take the whole vehicle to a workshop. This means thevehicle can be used while the equipment is being calibrated or repaired.The unit may well be equipped with an anti-theft device (not shown). Theanti-theft device comprises an enabling function and a number of buttonswith which a predetermined code can be entered by the driver beforetaking the breathalyser test. If the correct code is entered, theanalysis unit will be activated by the enabling function and abreathalyser test can be performed. An incorrect code will cause theanalysis unit to remain inactive so that the ignition key is blocked asa breathalyser test cannot be carried out. The analysis unit can also beactivated using a fingerprint sensor, card reader or the like. Thismeans the vehicle is protected against theft as well as being driven bya person under the influence of alcohol. The device can also be adaptedfor keys that control the vehicle's central locking system via remotecontrol signals, whereby the original key buttons controlling thecentral locking functions can be used. Such an adaptation together withthe aforesaid code lock, the central locking system will be activated ifthe correct code is keyed in and the vehicle is unlocked.

According to FIG. 4, a third embodiment is shown in which the devicecomprises an analysis section 27 and a key section 28. The analysissection 27 comprises a shell 29, which on one side exhibits a connector30 for a power supply adapted to cigarette lighters that are standard onvehicles. The analysis section can also be installed permanently (notshown) in the vehicle and be connected to the vehicle's electricalsystem. Current passes partly to the analysis section 27 for its powersupply and on via a wire 31 to the key section 28. To the shell is alsoarranged a tube 32 with mouthpiece to lead the driver's breath into theanalysis section 27 and a connector 33 for connecting to the key sectionwire 31.

An analysis unit and a signal generating unit (not shown) are arrangedinside the analysis section shell, to which the breath sample is led andanalysed. The analysis unit is designed in a similar manner to theanalysis unit described above. The analysis unit can also be arranged toregister the result and the time of the analysis. For reading theinformation that is registered by the analysis unit, there is a socket12 arranged on the side of the shell 29 for connecting, for example, acomputer (not shown).

After a positive result of the analysed breath sample, i.e. if thebreath sample does not contain excess amounts of alcohol, the signalgenerator will generate a signal and after a negative result there willbe no signal. The said signal goes via the wire 31 to the key section28. Signal transfer between the analysis section 27 and the key section28 can also take place via radio waves, IR or other wireless method.

The said key section comprises a housing 34 surrounding the key grip onthe vehicle's ordinary ignition key, the aforesaid means of activation15 and a means of movement. Through one side of the housing 34 isarranged a pair of openings 35, 36, through which the ignition key bladeand a means of blocking extend. The means of locking comprises ahardened steep pin 37 that can move between an inner and an outer 39 endposition and which when being acted on by a means of movement 40 alwaysattempts to attain its outer 39 end position. With the pin 37 in itsouter 39 end position, the ignition key will be stopped from beinginserted into the ignition switch, as the pin 37 will stop against thevehicle's ignition switch or dashboard when the driver attempts toinsert the key into the ignition switch. The pin 37 has a circularelement 37 a in the form of a hardened steel ring arranged on the tip ofthe pin 37 surrounding the key blade 6. The steel ring is intended toact as a sliding surface that slides on the ignition switch or dashboardwhen the key, after a positive response, is inserted into the switch.This makes it easier to turn the key and prevents unnecessary wearagainst the ignition switch or dashboard as well as making it difficultto break the pin away from the key in order to evade the immobilizationof the key.

If a negative result is obtained from the analysed breath sample, nosignal will be given and the key will be prevented from being used. Ifthe signal given by the analysis unit 27 is positive, i.e. if the breathsample does not contain excess amounts of alcohol, the signal will besent to the key section, in this example the signal passes via the wire31 to the key section 28 and affects the means of activation 15, whichactivates the means of movement 40 contained in the housing 34. Themeans of movement 40 comprises a spring mechanism arranged between themeans of activation 15 and the pin 37. The means of activation 15comprises, as described above, an electronic bipolar relay that isdriven by a battery 42 arranged in the housing. The battery isrechargeable through the wire 31 and the vehicle's electrical system.The bipolar relay acts on the spring mechanism which releases and thepin 37 is pressed into the housing 34 when it makes contact with thedashboard or ignition switch so that the ignition key is ready to use.

When the ignition key is removed from the ignition switch, the blockingfunction will be activated. The said pin 37 is pushed out automaticallyby the means of movement 40 to its blocking position, whereby a newsample of positive breath is required in order to use the key again.

The advantage with such an embodiment is that the ignition key hasinsignificantly larger external dimensions so it can be kept, forexample, in a trouser pocket as usual. Another advantage is that duringcalibration and repair, the analysis unit can be removed simply from thevehicle and sent off to an authorised calibration workshop.

The separate analysis unit may well be equipped with an anti-theftdevice (not shown). The anti-theft device comprises an enabling functionand a number of buttons with which a predetermined code can be enteredby the driver before taking the breathalyser test. If the correct codeis entered, the analysis unit will be activated by the enabling functionand a breathalyser test can be performed. An incorrect code will causethe analysis unit to remain inactive so that the ignition key is blockedas a breathalyser test cannot be carried out. This means the vehicle isprotected against theft as well as being driven by a person under theinfluence of alcohol. The device can also be adapted for keys thatcontrol the vehicle's central locking system via remote control signals,whereby the original key buttons controlling the central lockingfunctions can be used. With such an adaptation together with theaforesaid code lock, the central locking system will be activated if thecorrect code is keyed in and the vehicle is unlocked.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 and comprises a means of starting4 in the form of a key section with a signal generating unit 42 in theform of a transmitter integrated with a means of starting or arranged asa separate unit. The signal A, B, C, in the form of a radio wave,infrared signal or equivalent wireless signal, has a short range and isintended for reception by a signal receiver arranged in conjunction withthe vehicle's starting mechanism 41, for example the ignition switch.The signal receiver is synchronised with the signal generating unit 42,i.e. the starting mechanism 41 is activated only if the correct means ofstarting 4 is used and an approved signal is received by the startingmechanism 41. The short range prevents the signal interfering withsurrounding equipment working in the same frequency range or wavelength.When the means of starting 4 is moved towards the starting mechanism 41,signals are sent to the signal receiver. The receiver analyses thesignals and if the generated signals agree with the values in thereceiver, the vehicle can be started.

The signal generating unit 42 comprises an analysis unit for analysingthe driver's breath. If the alcohol content in the breath specimenexceeds a certain level, for example an upper limit stipulated by thecountry or state, the signal generating unit in the means of starting 4will be blocked, whereby the starting mechanism 41 will not receive thesignal A, B, C that is required in order to activate the startingmechanism 41. If the breath specimen does not contain excess amounts ofalcohol, a signal B will be sent from the analysing unit 42 to the meansof starting, whereby a signal A will be sent from the means of starting4 to the starting mechanism 41 and the vehicle can be started.

In another embodiment, a signal C is sent from a signal generating unitin the form of a transmitter in the analysing section and a signal Afrom the signal generating unit in the means of starting 4 to thestarting mechanism 41 unless the breath specimen contains excess amountsof alcohol. The signals must agree with the necessary parameters in thestarting mechanism signal receiver section for the starting mechanism tobe activated. If the breath specimen contains excess amounts of alcohol,the signal from the analysis unit and means of starting respectivelywill not agree with the necessary parameters and the starting mechanismwill not be activated.

The key section and or the analysis unit can also be combined with alock, so that the user's authorization must first be verified for usingthe vehicle before the analysis unit and/or the means of starting can beactivated. This verification can be obtained using a keypad with which acode is entered. Examples of other methods of verification arefingerprint sensors, card readers and the like. Subsequently, the drivercan give a breath specimen which is analysed before the signalgenerating unit is activated.

It should be understood that the function can be the opposite, i.e. thatthe signal generating unit is located in the starting mechanism and thesignal receiving section is located in the means of starting.

The present invention is not limited to the above description and asillustrated in the drawings but can be changed and modified in a numberof different ways within the framework of the idea of inventionspecified in the following claims.

1. Device to prevent a driver under the influence of a drug fromactivating a vehicle's starting mechanism with the aid of the driver'sstarter unit, the device comprising: an analyzing unit to collect atleast one specimen from the driver and to analyze a drug concentrationin the specimen, wherein the vehicle's starting mechanism comprises asignal receiving unit to receive one or more electronically transmitted,wireless signals from a first signal generating unit associated with thestarter unit and to receive one or more electronically transmittedsignals sent directly or indirectly from a second signal generating unitassociated with the analyzing unit, wherein the vehicle's startingmechanism is prevented or impeded from activation depending on thesignal from the first signal generating unit and the signal from thesecond signal generating unit generated when the drug concentration inthe specimen is higher than a limit prescribed.
 2. Device according toclaim 1, whereby the first signal generating unit is activated when asignal is given by the analyzing unit.
 3. Device according to claim 1,whereby signal transfer is by means of radio waves or IR light. 4.Device according to claim 1, whereby the analyzing unit comprises a codelock to activate the analyzing unit.
 5. Device according to claim 1,whereby the specimen is taken from the driver's breath.
 6. Deviceaccording to claim 1, whereby the drug refers to alcohol.
 7. Deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the starter unit comprises an ignitionkey.
 8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the starter unit comprisesa starter card.
 9. A safety device for preventing or impeding operationof a vehicle, the safety device comprising: a signal generating unit togenerate an electronically transmitted, wireless first signal; ananalyzing unit to collect at least one specimen and to generate anelectronically transmitted second signal in accordance with drugconcentration in the specimen; and a signal receiving unit configured toreceive or accept the first signal if the second signal indicates thatthe drug concentration in the specimen is less than a predeterminedamount.
 10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the signal generatingunit includes a driver's card or key and the signal receiving unit isconfigured to be provided to a starting mechanism of the vehicle. 11.Device according to claim 10, wherein the starting mechanism comprisesan ignition switch.
 12. Device according to claim 9, wherein theanalyzing unit is formed integrally with the signal generator unit. 13.Device according to claim 9, wherein the analyzing unit is operable togenerate an electronically transmitted third wireless third signal andsend it to the signal receiving unit if the drug concentration is lessthan the predetermined amount.
 14. Device according to claim 9, furthercomprising a lock to verify authorization to use the vehicle before theanalyzing unit can be activated.